73 -- Notice of Intent to procure Kitchen equipment for the new Social Security Administration facility in Birmingham, AL using the firm of OPUS South Corporation.

The General Services Administration is providing its notice of intent to procure Kitchen equipment using other than competitive procedures for the firm of OPUS South Corporation (OPUS), Atlanta, Georgia, for us in the new Social Security Administration facility in Birmingham, AL. OPUS was originally selected under a Source Selection process to provide leased space. The contract also included all the initial space alteration required for the Government to meet its operational requirements and was awarded under contract GS-04B-45056. The food service equipment and material to be provided under this contract would include shelving, work tables, slicers, mixers, refrigerators, freezers, warmers, heated sandwich slides, carving station, beverage dispensers, toasters, cup dispensers, ice cream dispenser, display cases, dish and glass dollys and other minor equipment require to make a full and functioning cafeteria and dish washing facility. This equipment is to be integrated into to the kitchen and serving area designed by OPUS and must be compatible and integrated with other materials and equipment being provided and installed by OPUS. Pursuant to FAR 6.302-1, OPUS South Corporation can accomplish the work with favorable results since they are currently responsible for providing all the related material, equipment and infrastructure to make the equipment to be purchased operational and functions. Having a single source for the entire kitchen build out will ensure a fully integrated and operational kitchen. OPUS South Corporation is responsible for the entire initial space alterations of which valued at over $27 million. This equipment is a small part the initial space alterations. OPUS has the staffing and manpower to complete the work prior to the contract delivery date. OPUS utilized competition to select the vendor to install the infrastructure, and fixed kitchen equipment. As part of the vendor?s proposal they also provided an optional price for the equipment sought under this justification. The introduction of a new vendor into the job may prevent the equipment from being fully integrated into the custom fabricated infrastructure or fixed equipment. The single source will also provide a single point of contact for all warranty issues, limiting confusion on time on what equipment is covered by each contractor. The expedited performance through their unique project knowledge, experience, and extensive documentation of current conditions, would result in less risk and impact to the government. The requirement to procure these additional services and equipment under full and open competition would result in increased time, costs and risks to the Government because of the problems involved with additional coordination, mobilization, and multiple contractors working within the same space. Therefore, this procurement is planned as other than full-and-open-competition-basis on the grounds that OPUS is the only practical firm that can provide this equipment. The total estimated range of this action is approximately $140,000 - $160,000. Firms who are interested in commenting regarding the government intent or obtaining additional information regarding the above procurement should provide their written comments to Wylene Bell, Contracting Officer, phone 404-331-4617, facsimile 404-331-7696, at wylene.bell@gsa.gov or, GSA, Acquisition Management Division (4PGA), 401 W. Peachtree St., NW, Atlanta, GA 30308. Written comments should be received by the Contracting Officer within 15 days of publication of this notice.